Toasted Orzo with Peas and Parmesan

This pasta recipe, Toasted Orzo with Peas and Parmesan, leans on butter, onion and salt. It makes 6 servings as a side dish and takes about 34 minutes.

• Yield 6 servings as a side dish
• Ready in 34 minutes
• Prep 10 minutes
• Cook 24 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion (minced)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 medium garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 ¼ cups orzo
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (grated (about 1 cup))
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley leaves
• Ground black pepper
• 1 lemon (cut into wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and ¾ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the orzo and cook, stirring often, until most of the grains are golden, about 5 minutes.
2. Carefully stir in the broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally until all of the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is tender, 10 to 12 minutes. (Be careful not to cook at too high of heat at this point because the liquid will evaporate instead of cook the orzo and you’ll be left with undercooked pasta.)
3. Off the heat, stir in the peas, Parmesan, and parsley and let sit until the peas are warmed through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with the lemon wedges.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.